Penghu facts for kids

Penghu in Taiwan

The Penghu Islands, also known as the Pescadores, are a group of islands located off the western coast of Taiwan. The name "Pescadores" comes from the Portuguese language and means "fishermen," which tells us a lot about the islands' history and main activity! These islands are found in the Taiwan Strait, a busy waterway between Taiwan and mainland China.

The Penghu archipelago is made up of about 90 small islands and tiny islets. Together, they cover an area of about 141 square kilometers (54 square miles). This makes them a unique place with lots of coastline and interesting natural features.

Today, the entire Penghu archipelago forms Penghu County within Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. For a time in history, the Penghu Islands and the main island of Taiwan were part of the former Japanese territory known as Formosa.

Exploring the Penghu Islands

The Penghu Islands are famous for their beautiful scenery and unique culture. Many people visit to enjoy the beaches, clear waters, and special rock formations.

What Makes Penghu Special?

Penghu is known for several things that make it stand out:

• Basalt Columns: You can find amazing rock formations here, especially columnar basalt. These are tall, pillar-like rocks formed from ancient volcanic eruptions. They look like giant, natural sculptures!
• Fishing Villages: As the name "Pescadores" suggests, fishing has always been a big part of life in Penghu. You can still see traditional fishing boats and learn about the local fishing culture.
• Unique Architecture: Many old houses on the islands are built with coral and basalt stones, which helps them stay cool and strong against the sea winds.
• Windy Weather: Penghu is quite windy, especially during certain seasons. This wind has shaped the landscape and the way people live here.

Life on the Islands

Life in Penghu is often connected to the sea. Many people work in fishing or in the tourism industry, welcoming visitors who come to explore the islands. The main city is Magong, which is the largest town and the center of activity. It has markets, temples, and a busy harbor.

Nature and Parks

The islands are home to diverse marine life. The South Penghu Marine National Park protects some of the most beautiful natural areas, including those amazing basalt columns and coral reefs. This park helps keep the ocean and its creatures safe for future generations. It's a great place for snorkeling and diving to see colorful fish and corals.

Historical Connections

Penghu has a long history, with evidence of human settlement going back thousands of years. Its location in the Taiwan Strait made it an important stop for traders and travelers. Over the centuries, different groups have lived on and influenced the islands, including Chinese, Dutch, and Japanese people. You can find historical sites and temples that tell stories of Penghu's past. For example, there's a memorial in Magong City dedicated to the Japanese cruiser Matsushima, which sank near Penghu in 1908.

Famous Landmarks

One of the most famous sights in Penghu is the Double-Heart of Stacked Stones. This is an ancient fishing trap built with stones in the shape of two hearts. It's not just beautiful; it's also a clever way that people used to catch fish for centuries. It shows how people in Penghu have always worked closely with nature.

Images for kids

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  Northern islands of Penghu (the Pescadores)

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  Hōko Prefecture Government building

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  The Pescadores (1950)

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  Columnar basalt at South Penghu Marine National Park

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  National Penghu University of Science and Technology

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  Chienshan Power Plant

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  Qimei Airport

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  Original 1908 memorial to the cruiser Matsushima pictured. Modern park memorial in Magong City, Penghu, Taiwan.

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  Double-Heart of Stacked Stones

See also

In Spanish: Islas Pescadores para niños